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Calibrating the micro:bit Compass: What does it mean when the micro:bit says 'Tilt to Fill Screen'?

Modified on: Thu, 20 Sep, 2018 at 12:02 PM

The micro:bit has an on board compass. This compass has to be calibrated the first time that it is used, so that the readings that it produces are accurate. When you load a program into the micro:bit and your program tries to read from the compass, it will scroll the words TILT TO FILL SCREEN on the screen. Hold the micro:bit horizontally and tilt it on the spot trying to fill in the screen. After you have done this, your program will run.

compass calibration.mp4

The calibration routine runs in the background whilst the letters scroll across the screen, so it is possible to start tilting before the words finish scrolling. This speeds up the calibration routine.

compass calibration quick.mp4

Make sure that you calibrate your compass in the same environment where you will be using it, to get the best accuracy - e.g. if you are using it in a classroom, calibrate it in the classroom. Also, because the magnetometer is sensitive to magnetic fields, please don't attach the micro:bit to any metal objects or rest it on a metal table, as this will affect both the calibration and the accuracy of the reading in normal use.

Javascript Blocks Editor

The compass calibration is stored in non volatile memory, so next time you press the reset button or remove and replace the power to the micro:bit it will remember the calibration. However, this non volatile memory is cleared when you flash a new program to your micro:bit, so you will have to re-calibrate it if you load a new program.

Python Editor

In the python.microbit.org and codewith.mu editors, currently the compass calibration is not stored and you will have to perform the calibration procedure each time you reset or power down and power up your micro:bit.